Andrew Feenstra of Cyclesmith in Halifax is currently in Portugal on holiday - talk about good timing to miss 90 centimetres of snow back at home! He has been sending us reports and photos from the Volta ao Algarve stage race, where Michael Barry is racing with U.S. Postal and Lance Armstrong. He sent this report from yesterday's time trial, which Armstrong won (Michael Barry finished fifth).

Andrew Feenstra:

The crowds were absolutely insane today, they would not leave Lance alone. They were climbing over fences to get a photo of him warming up behind the USPS bus. I couldn't get any good photos of Lance as he would never stand still for more then a second.

I have a shot of MB's bike. I talked to one of the mechanics about why Mike has an aluminum Trek, and the answer was thatÂ the carbon bike would not fit him properly. It is only made in three sizes and the aluminum can be custom made. Both Mike and George Hincapie are both too tall/don't fit the carbon bikes.

I also have a photo of Stuart O'Grady warming up before the TT, as he is a fan favourite.

The shot of the bus is to show how many fans surround the USPS spot. Lance was not even out of the bus yet, but just the idea of seeing him was worth the wait. When the USPS bus arrived, the fans just flocked to it. All the other teams didn't even have barricades as no one was around them. It's actually kind of sad, as I believe the "Lance" attraction takes away from the rest of the riders. Maybe it takes off the pressure from these riders? Lance certainly brings out the media and the fans though.

Sydney cyclist Kate Bates, 21, (NSWIS) today stole the early race lead in the Geelong International Women's Tour when she claimed victory in the opening twilight time trial stage raced at the Bellarine Peninsula beachside town of Portarlington.

"I'm absolutely stoked," said Bates after her win. "I knew I was feeling really good today; it was one of those days when you climb on the bike to warm up and get just a little bit excited.

The riders battled a strong headwind for the first half of the race along the Esplanade and a tailwind on the homeward four kilometres and Bates believes that played into her hands.

"The way out it was windy and in your face but that worked to my advantage as I tend to be stronger in the first half so I gave it a punch on the way out and on the way back it was a little easier with the tail wind."

Bates performance has also given her the lead in the Best Young Rider (U23) classification but it is the blue leader's jersey she will wear into tomorrow's second stage, a 35 kilometre criterium at Eastern Park near the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

The top five riders are separated by only 15 seconds so the time bonuses on offer for the intermediate sprints and finish of tomorrow's stage will be key in deciding who leads for Stage 3.

"It won't just be about keeping the race together but about keeping the race together and the team performing strongly in the sprints," said Bates. "I won't be going on the attack tomorrow but I'm pretty positive that with a strong team around me I can hang onto the jersey."

Second placed MacTier has the benefit of a Jayco team mate in Louise Yaxley, 22, also in contention currently sitting in fourth place at ten seconds.

"It means we have a couple of good options up our sleeves which is a terrific situation to be in," said MacTier. "The bonuses mean tomorrow's stage will be very dynamic and with just under 100 starters we'll have to keep our wits about us in terms of positioning and making sure the sprints are covered.

"We want the Tour win and a couple of stages so we'll go out there guns ablaze and work the team depth," she said. "We've got a few tricks up our sleeves."

The four stage, four day Geelong Tour features 93 riders representing 15 countries and is the lead-in event for next Sunday's opening round of the UCI (International Cycling Union) Women's Road Cycling World Cup Series at Geelong's Waterfront.

Location - Ramer Alabama (near Montgomery). Area is flat with some rolling hills. The weather will be warm (around 70) and perfect for easy base km.

Departure - Friday March 12th at 5 a.m., from Windsor. Coming from U.S.? We can set up a meeting spot, to caravan.

Accommodations - Roomy house with all conveniences set in a small charming town.

Equipment - Road bike in good working order. Two water bottles, pocket food, (GU, power bars, fruit, etc.) two spare tubes, and a frame pump. Biking stuff ( Spring and Summer) rain jacket or windbreaker, helmet, some basic tools. Triathletes bring running shoes and running clothes. If there is a pool around we will swim so throw in your swim gear. Bring a Walkman for your personal music pleasure only. No boom boxes or radios.

Remember this is early in the season so, the rides will be long, steady rides and easy up the hills. No racing please. Helmets mandatory. We ride as a group for our safety and enjoyment. Group riding rules apply such as, if someone gets a flat we all stop to help and no reckless moves on the bike. If a dog starts chasing us we stay calm and donâ€št make erratic moves or sprint away just point at the dog and yell at the top of your lungs "sit" or "go home". Aldo is well acquainted with the routes. It's all about having fun, getting lots of base miles (kilometres) and learning from each other. So what do you think? If this sounds like something you want to do then send us (Renee and Aldo) a deposit of $100 by Mar.1st, and you will be assured a spot riding in the Alabama sunshine and racking up the base miles.